Title

Author

Degree Name

MFA (Master of Fine Arts)

Program

Art

Date of Award

8-2010

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

M. Smith

Committee Members

Patricia Mink, M. Wayne Dyer

Abstract

This thesis is in support of the Master of Fine Arts exhibition entitled The McFarlands at East Tennessee State University, Slocumb Galleries, Johnson City, Tennessee, November 5th - 9th, 2007. This artist's photographic survey, which lasted approximately two years, investigated the lifeworld of a family in a rural Appalachian town. His photographic work depicts the subjects working on their farm growing tobacco and their relationships within the family unit.

The artist discusses his work in terms of historical and contemporary influences with an emphasis on the relationship to the work of Lewis W. Hine, Wright Morris, Mary Ellen Mark, and David M. Spear.